🌺Thai Traditional Medicine

Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong)

Houttuynia cordata

About Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong)

Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) (Houttuynia cordata) is a herb used in the Thai Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Respiratory Issues, UTI, Skin Health, and Immune Support. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Houttuynia cordata (simplified Chinese: 鱼腥草; traditional Chinese: 魚腥草; pinyin: yúxīng cǎo; literally: "fishy-smell herb"; Japanese: dokudami 蕺草, literally "poison blocking plant"; Vietnamese: giấp cá; Lao: pak kao tong ຜັກຄາວທອງ; Thai: phakkaawtong ผักคาวตอง, ผักคาวทอง, พลูคาว; Korean: 약모밀, 어성초). In Manipur, it is known as toningkok, in Tangkhul as Ngayungna in Hmar as Aithang, in Meghalaya it is known as Jamyrdoh, in Chakma as Mosondori, in Mizo as Uithinthang, and in thadou as "Aithanglou", Hrama in Poula. In...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · bothLeaves · both
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Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
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Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
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Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
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Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
♨️

Steam Inhalation

1–2× daily during acute symptoms
  • Add 2–3 tbsp of Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) to a bowl of just-boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.
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Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb has a diuretic (fluid-eliminating) effect. Pregnancy already involves significant fluid/electrolyte shifts, so diuretic herbs are generally used cautiously and in moderation rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Diuretic herbs are traditionally thought to potentially reduce milk supply through fluid loss — generally used cautiously while establishing or maintaining supply.

Children

Use Caution

Children are more sensitive to fluid and electrolyte shifts — diuretic herbs are generally used cautiously and under guidance.

Contraindications

  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May have a diuretic effect

Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium

Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.

May affect immune activity

Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)

Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia

Climate

Tropical monsoon

Habitat

Tropical forests, temple gardens, and village herb plots of Southeast Asia

🌿 To see Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Thai and Southeast Asian grocery stores
  • Asian supermarkets with herbal and fresh produce sections
  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Houttuynia (Phak Khao Tong), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.